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Traffic Operations Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Traffic Engineer III

Ontario, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Ontario, CA ยท Hybrid

$88K - $120K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท On-site

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer III

Los Angeles, CA ยท Hybrid

$100K - $130K/yr

Conduct multimodal traffic engineering analyses, including traffic operations, safety assessments ... Ability to manage competing priorities and multiple simultaneous projects with cross-functional ...

Traffic Engineer

Carson, CA ยท On-site

$30 - $50/hr

Work spans field investigations, traffic operations analyses (including signal timing/coordination and LOS/capacity reviews), neighborhood traffic management concepts, and development/plan check ...

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

DEFINITION Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City's traffic control system ...

Traffic Engineer

Santa Monica, CA ยท On-site

$127K - $157K/yr

DEFINITION Performs professional engineering and project management work related to transportation programs, operations, and facilities. Operates and maintains the City's traffic control system ...

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Showing results 1-20

Traffic Operations Manager information

See California salary details

$25.2K

$77.4K

$145.1K

How much do traffic operations manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for traffic operations manager in California is $77,393.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $94,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Traffic Operations Manager vs Traffic Engineer?

AspectTraffic Operations ManagerTraffic Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's degree in transportation, civil engineering, or related field; certifications like PTOE often preferredBachelor's or master's degree in civil engineering or transportation engineering; PE license often required
Work EnvironmentOversees traffic management systems, coordinates with agencies, manages teamsDesigns traffic systems, analyzes traffic data, develops plans for infrastructure projects
Employer & Industry UsageMunicipalities, transportation agencies, consulting firmsEngineering firms, government agencies, consulting firms

The Traffic Operations Manager focuses on managing traffic systems and teams, ensuring smooth traffic flow, while the Traffic Engineer designs and analyzes traffic infrastructure. Both roles require related credentials and often work within the same industry, but their core responsibilities differ in management versus technical design.

What does a Traffic Operations Manager do?

A Traffic Operations Manager is responsible for overseeing the flow and safety of transportation systems, which can include roadways, highways, and sometimes public transit networks. They manage day-to-day traffic operations, analyze traffic data, coordinate with other agencies, and implement strategies to reduce congestion and improve safety. Their work often involves supervising staff, responding to incidents, and utilizing technology such as traffic signals and control centers to manage traffic movement efficiently.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Traffic Operations Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Traffic Operations Manager, you need expertise in traffic engineering, project management, and regulatory compliance, often backed by a degree in civil engineering or transportation planning. Familiarity with traffic management systems, geographic information systems (GIS), and relevant certifications such as Professional Engineer (PE) licensure are typically required. Strong leadership, analytical thinking, and effective communication skills set exceptional candidates apart in this role. These competencies are vital for ensuring safe, efficient traffic flow and for leading teams to implement improvements in urban transportation networks.

How does a Traffic Operations Manager typically collaborate with other departments to ensure smooth transportation flow?

A Traffic Operations Manager regularly works with engineering, maintenance, and public safety teams to monitor traffic conditions, implement control measures, and respond to incidents. Collaboration often involves participating in planning meetings, coordinating on infrastructure projects, and sharing real-time data to optimize traffic signals and manage congestion. Effective communication and interdisciplinary teamwork are crucial, as these managers serve as a bridge between technical staff, local authorities, and external stakeholders to maintain safe and efficient transportation networks.
What are the most commonly searched types of Traffic Operations jobs in California? The most popular types of Traffic Operations jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California? For Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Traffic Operations Manager jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Traffic Operations Manager jobs? Cities in California with the most Traffic Operations Manager job openings:
Infographic showing various Traffic Operations Manager job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $77,393 per year, or $37.2 per hour.

Engineering Manager - Traffic Division

Government Jobs

Fontana, CA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted yesterday

New


Job description

Job Title

Traffic Operations and Traffic Land Development Positions

Job Description

The Engineering Department currently has two vacancies and is seeking qualified candidates to fill one (1) position in Traffic Operations and one (1) position in Traffic Land Development. Under direction of the City Engineer, plans, organizes, and supervises professional and technical operations of either the Land Development, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), or Traffic Engineering (Operation and Development) section of the Engineering Department.

Traffic Operations Position Snapshot/A Day in the Life: The Engineering Manager for the Traffic Division will be within the Public Works & Engineering Department and will oversee all traffic-related operation and maintenance related activities within the City and/or with neighboring cities. On a typical day, the successful candidate will supervise division staff and corresponding tasks, review and approve technical reports or plans related to Traffic activities, participate in traffic planning, operation, maintenance of the City's traffic signal system, and design of traffic signs and pavement markings, as well as respond to traffic requests and concerns. The successful candidate will attend internal and general public meetings as requested. The successful candidate will also be involved in developing, coordinating, and monitoring the division's budget and providing periodic budgetary information. Additionally, this position will manage multiple consultants assisting with project reviews, including overseeing contracts and ensuring invoices are reviewed and approved in a timely manner. This position will report directly to the Public Works Director/City Engineer, communicate potential issues, and provide recommendations.

Traffic Land Development Position Snapshot/A Day in the Life: The Engineering Manager will be a part of the Public Works & Engineering Department and will oversee all traffic-related issues associated with private development projects in support of the Planning Department and Land Development Division. A typical day may include reviewing submitted site plans, providing conditions of approval, and reviewing traffic studies, VMT analyses, VMT scoping documents, traffic control plans, and related materials.

Essential Functions

The following functions are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed functions and/or may be required to perform additional or different functions from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.

  • Manages, leads, and directs the activities and staff involved in the daily administration of the Capital Improvements Program (CIP), Land Development and Traffic engineering (Operation and Development) team; provides direction and guidance to senior staff on project scope, budget, and schedule for various infrastructure projects.
  • Reviews, approves, and signs specifications documents for construction projects and any other plans required to complete construction; reviews and recommends approval of construction plans and various work orders; recommends various traffic devices throughout the city including speed humps, signs, striping, and pavement legends in coordination with traffic team.
  • Reviews and approves, and/or signs Public Works and Engineering related planning and/or design documents.
  • Provides direct supervision to professional and technical staff; participates in recommending the appointment of personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies.
  • Plans and evaluates the performance of assigned staff; establishes performance requirements and personal development targets; monitors performance and provides coaching for performance improvement and development; provides or recommends compensation and other rewards to recognize performance; takes disciplinary action, up to and including termination when necessary.
  • Provides the day-to-day leadership and work with staff to ensure a high performance, customer service-oriented work environment which supports achieving City objectives and service expectations; provides leadership and participates in programs and activities that promote a positive employee relations environment.
  • Manages and directs the activities and staff involved in the daily administration of the assigned Engineering section; develops work programs and establishes program priorities; provides technical leadership and policy guidance and communicates management objectives to City management and staff; reviews and approves work performed by staff.
  • Manages and monitors sensitive community issues; manages the development, implementation, and operations of programs designed to improve or maintain neighborhood livability; develops new programs to address the City's emerging traffic needs; manages contracts for consultants providing traffic engineering services and coordinates traffic services with other City departments.
  • Manages multiple engineering projects including the supervision of professional, technical, and consulting staff.
  • Understands, interprets, explains, applies, and ensures compliance with City traffic or related engineering operations and safety rules, regulations, policies, procedures, and applicable Federal, state, and local legislation and regulations; testifies in court as required.
  • Analyzes problems, identifies alternative solutions, and implements recommendations in support of goals.
  • Develops departmental budgetary information for proposed projects; administers, coordinates, and monitors budgets for assigned projects; prepares, reviews, and processes project expenditures and ensures compliance with all funding requirements; recommends purchases, agreements, and contracts.
  • Identifies and researches grant opportunities for funding City infrastructure improvements; leads grant project selection and preparation managing scope, cost, and schedule.
  • Prepares and maintains comprehensive records; drafts project progress reports, technical reports, and makes recommendations.
  • Establishes and maintains cooperative working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
  • Provides engineering expertise for the city involved claims for engineering related issues including executing necessary documents to support the city.
  • Effectively communicate, both verbally and in writing, with a variety of audiences.
  • Maintains prompt and regular attendance.
  • Sound judgement and attention to detail.
  • Perform any other tasks or functions deemed necessary to the daily operations of the employer or as the situation requires.
  • This position is always evolving. Therefore, employer reserves the right to modify this job description as necessary.
THE ABOVE LIST OF ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS IS NOT EXHAUSTIVE AND MAY BE SUPPLEMENTED AS NECESSARY BY THE EMPLOYER. WORKING CONDITIONS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, reach, turn, kneel, bend, squat; both in the office and field work activities. This position also requires grasping, repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports and other data, using a computer keyboard. Additionally, the position requires near and far vision in reading correspondence and using the computer. Acute hearing is required when providing telephone and personal service to customers and consultants. The nature of the job requires the incumbent to drive motorized vehicles, exposure to outside temperatures and often work with numerous to constant interruptions; the incumbent is also regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret complex data, information and documents; analyze and solve complex problems; use math/mathematical reasoning; perform high detailed work under changing, intensive deadlines, on multiple concurrent tasks; interact with City management, staff, representatives of other public agencies, the public and others encountered in the course of work.

Experience and Training Guidelines

A combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Land Development/CIP Division Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of Engineering, with particular emphasis on long range planning and capital improvement programs.
  • Pertinent Federal, State and local laws, codes, and regulations.
  • Recent developments, current literature, and sources of information regarding Engineering.
  • Principles and practices of project management.
  • Supervision, training, and performance evaluation.
  • Principles and practices of grant administration.
  • Budgeting methodologies.
  • Familiarity with engineering standards, practices, and regulatory requirements.
  • Relevant tools, software, and/or technology used within the role.
  • Understanding of organizational policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Principles and practices of excellent customer service.
  • Safe work practices, OSHA regulations, and workplace health and safety procedures to ensure a safe working environment.
Ability to:
  • Supervise, motivate, and train team members effectively.
  • Make sound decisions in a timely manner.
  • Manage and resolve conflicts or disagreements constructively.
  • Use a personal computer, telephone, and other electronic devices, to access information, complete documentation, and communicate effectively.
  • Understand and follow both oral and written instructions accurately.
  • Identify issues, evaluate data, and implement effective solutions (problem solving).
  • Manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
  • Work collaboratively with others in a team environment.
  • Perform tasks accurately and thoroughly, with a focus on quality.

Traffic (Operation and Development) Division: Knowledge of:

  • Theories, principles, and practices of traffic engineering, including applicable traffic and zoning codes